It's been two years since Open Arms Academy launched the Social Enterprise Club. The goal of this group is to teach children how to develop products and services that would be profitable and useful to the community.
After the children develop these products, they are given a platform to pitch their product to potential buyers and/or investors. It's like Open Arms Academy's version of Shark Tank!
During social enterprise week, Village staff members go to the school to act as potential clients and buy products that appeal to them. At the end of the event, the top student is chosen based on sales, ability to speak confidently, innovation, and presentation of their product .
Children can also work in different social enterprise groups to develop products that they feel are needed at Open Arms. Some have made beehives and planted sunflowers around the apiary to help attract honeybees and improve honey quality.
“Social enterprise has taught me to think outside the box and make useful things out of what I have available to me.” explained Caroline.
Dennis shared “Even though social enterprise started as a project at school, it has taught me about life as well. It is about making the most of what you have.”
Your giving makes all of this incredible learning possible for the children of Open Arms Village and Open Arms Academy. You are changing lives and I appreciate you so much!
Blessings,
Kaytie Fiedler
Executive Director, Open Arms International U.S.
PS. We still need four more people to join the Circle of H.O.P.E. and become monthly donors to help baby Kiano, our new arrival at Open Arms Village, as well as the other children! Would you help Kiano by becoming a monthly donor today? Your new monthly gift will be DOUBLED up to $25,000 when you join the Circle of H.O.P.E. today!